Custom post types extend WordPress functionality

Out of the box, WordPress supports several content types (post and page are the two most common). WordPress uses the page content type to display static information (i.e. content that doesn’t change very often). The other is the post content type. WordPress displays post type content in chronological order by date (with the most recent posts displayed first). You can change this behaviour using custom database queries. You can also use categories and tags to further group posts. But what if you wanted to run an online store that sold t-shirts? These t-shirts come in different patterns, sizes, and colours. How do you add the different relationships (hierarchy) of these products? Use custom post types (CPT) to group objects that have similar parameters.

Another example is a movie review website that needs to include genre, actors, reviews, star rating, and awards won. Using this type of hierarchy, website visitors can search and display the posts using a variety of criteria. For example, visitors want to see movies that have won an Academy Award or movies that star Sean Connery. CPTs permit this type of functionality.

Custom post type uses

This is exactly what many themes and plugins do. For instance, wooCommerce uses a custom post type for each product. These products have different parameters which help describe the product type. Custom post types can also have a hierarchy relationship.

There are three ways to add CPT functionality to a WordPress website.

First, you can use a theme that includes the CPT you require. The Storefront, Sparkle, and Divi themes all use custom post types.

Another way is to use a plugin. The most often used CPT plugins are wooCommerce, Custom Post Type UI, bbPress, CustomPress, Types, and Pods.

The third way is to custom code the custom post type. To create the custom code, you use the create_post_type function. Using this method, you have complete control over the types of information stored. You can also add custom taxonomies and post type templates.

Update the front and back-ends

While the custom post type and custom taxonomies control what gets stored in the backend, the CPT template controls how the post type displays in the front end (i.e. on the screen).

When you need to add database type functionality to your WordPress website, consider using CPTs. With three different ways to add custom post types to your website, you maintain complete control over how you implement database functionality. Custom post types are perfect for companies looking to turn their WordPress website into a unique content management system.